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Weekly Chart Report (2/25/11)

Whoa, where does the time go? Country Radio Seminar starts next week, so make plans to attend MusicRow’s annual Meet & Greet and CountryBreakout Awards, featuring special performances from Joanna Smith and Colt Ford. The event takes place Tuesday, March 1, 2:30-5 pm CT at Cadillac Ranch on Broadway. Email mstephens@musicrow.com for more information. Don’t […]

Guest Editorial: Hazel Smith Salutes Renee Bell

I am humbly proud that I introduced Joe Galante to Renee Bell. They became the most successful A&R team in Nashville. Renee was the first and only female Executive Vice President of A&R—thanks to Galante, who always gave women their due. She was employed at the label, originally RCA, now Sony, in excess of 15 […]

Social Media Success Sends CJaye LeRose To Nashville

“Social networking” has become one of those overused marketing phrases—discussed continuously, but rarely implemented. That makes it all the more contagious when an indie artist without the benefit of any marketing machine to do the heavy lifting, attracts attention in the form of fans, followers and views and ends up with more links than a […]

"Idol" Adds Online Voting Via Facebook

When the polls open for the current season of Fox’s “American Idol” on March 1, fans will be able to vote online for the first time.

[Updated] UMGN Media Dept. Transitions—Williams, Stuve Exit

[Updated 2/24, 4:15PM] Amber Williams has also exited the UMG Nashville media team.

Arista Promo Team Aligns Under Tyson, Sigler; Hires Dokke

Arista Nashville is announcing a reworked promotion team in time for next week’s Country Radio Seminar.

Artist Roundup

Briggs Appears As Nashville Cat • Josh Kelley Co-Writes Sitcom Theme Song • Jamey Johnson Gets Gold Record

Awards Dates: BMI Christian, Leadership Music

>>The BMI Christian Music Awards will be presented Monday, April 4 at the performing rights organization’s Music Row offices. The annual invitation-only event will salute the songwriters and publishers of the past year’s most performed Christian and gospel songs on U.S. Christian radio. Hosted by Jody Williams, Vice President, Writer/Publisher Relations, along with Dir., Writer/Publisher […]

Rodney Atkins Teams With Tractor Co.

Rodney Atkins, hot on the tails of his recent hit “Farmer’s Daughter,” has secured a partnership with Massey Ferguson tractors. In 2011, Massey Ferguson will be the “official tractor” of Rodney Atkins. Throughout the year, the singer will be involved in activities ranging from national advertising to dealer tie-ins, social media campaigns, contests and national […]

Industry n' Artists Ink 2/24/11

Kobalt Ups Alperin • Bellamy Brothers “Hold It Against…” Britney • SESAC Signs Mark Carson

Fab Photos Wednesday

Jessie Schmidt on CMA Board, Rivers Rutherford at Belmont, Brad Paisley At Daytona

Artist Action: Rascal Flatts Get Bieber Fever

News from Eric Church, Tim McGraw, Gloriana, Keith Urban, Kellie Pickler, Jerrod Niemann, Blake Shelton, Toby Keith and Bluegrass Nights at the Ryman.

Sales: Thank You Edition

Yes, this week’s SoundScan report was heavily influenced by the Grammy telecast (2/13) and the holiday of hearts. Country album sales climbed 10% over the previous week, all-genre sales jumped 12%. But it can all be summed up in three words, “Need You Now.”

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